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“The melodies here are exquisite and the execution flawless, melding jazz and classical disciplines to deliver six sparkling new originals. “ -Ian Mann, The Jazz Mann CD REview UK
Gediminas Karkauskas
“An expressive, emotional debut that echoes the solitary experience while being completely right with the universe. “- Debbie Burke (US)
Gediminas Karkauskas – Pianist & Composer
Gediminas Karkauskas is a Lithuanian-born jazz and classical pianist based in Dublin for over 20 years. A graduate of the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, he later completed his Master’s degree at the Dublin Institute of Technology Conservatory of Music.
Throughout his career, Gediminas has performed extensively across Europe and beyond, captivating audiences with his unique blend of jazz and classical influences. He has appeared at major festivals such as the Broma Jazz Festival and Klaipėda City Jazz Festival in Lithuania, as well as the Cork Guinness Jazz Festival, Dublin Jazz Festival and Kilkenny Jazz Festival. In 2015, he performed at the National Concert Hall in Dublin alongside jazz legend Louis Stewart.
In October 2020, Gediminas released his debut album, Lost Suite, an original concept album that received global acclaim. It remained on the US jazz charts for 15 weeks and was recognized as one of the top jazz albums of the year by Jazzfuel. Music journalist Debbie Burke (USA) dedicated a chapter of her book Tasty Jazz Jams of Our Time Vol. 2 to the album, while UK critic Ian Mann praised its “exquisite melodies and flawless execution.” His album launch concert at St. Ann’s Church, Dublin, in 2022 was met with great success.
In May 2023, Gediminas delivered a mesmerizing performance at the National Concert Hall in Dublin, where he performed solo, in duo, and in trio settings. His ability to seamlessly transition between intimate, expressive solo piano passages and dynamic trio interplay earned him a standing ovation from a full house. The concert solidified his reputation as one of Ireland’s most compelling jazz artists.
Gediminas frequently travels to London, where he performs at the renowned jazz club The Archduke, both as a soloist and in a trio with Julian Fenton (ex-Duran Duran) on drums and Julie Walkington on bass. In addition, he remains an active presence in the Irish jazz scene, collaborating with top musicians and performing at venues such as Arthur’s Jazz Club and Wexford Arts Centre.
In October 2024, Gediminas made his debut at the prestigious Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York, followed by a performance at the World Arts Center in Chicago. His spellbinding interpretation of jazz compositions and original works captivated audiences, further establishing his presence on the international jazz stage. His Carnegie Hall performance, in particular, was a landmark moment in his career, showcasing his technical brilliance and emotive storytelling through music.
Riccardo Marenghi
Born in Piacenza, north Italy, in 1975. At a young age started studying the drumset with private teachers. After discovering jazz and fusion music he attended “C.E.M.M. Institute” (Center for Education in Modern Music) in Milan from 1998 to 2002, studying jazz drumming and ensemble playing, starting to work as a drummer in different musical styles.
In 2006 he graduated in psychology at the University of Parma with a thesis on “Group Drumming and Social Therapy”. To discover the rhythmic origins of jazz, he studied african percussion with master drummer Dramane Konatè for four years, then in 2008 and 2010 he went with him to Africa (Burkina Faso) perfecting his craft. He participated to many master classes (Dave Weckl, Skip Hadden, Billy Cobham, Ralph Alessi, Bruce Becker, Eddie Prevost, Fadouba Oulare and many others). In september 2010 he moved to Istanbul, where he collaborated with many musicians playing drums and percussions, doing rhythm workshops and teaching. With the percussion master Luis Ernesto Gomez and renowned pianist Emir Ersoy he developed his afro-cuban playing skills both live and in the studio, opening concerts for Buena Vista Social Club.
He participated to many festivals in Europe (Valtidone Festival, San Benedetto Acoustic Guitar Festival, Turkish Jazz Week, Istanbul Jazz Festival, Ak Bank jazz festival, Alanya Jazz festival, Perelik Eco Jazz Festival, Yenikoy Jazz Festival). In 2022 he moved to Dublin, Ireland where he collaborates with internationally acclaimed pianist Gediminas Karkauskas (concerts at National Concert Hall Dublin and Carnegie Hall New York) and singer/songwriter Don Mescall, at the same time continuing his busy teaching programs at Malahide School of Music and privately.
Cormac O Brien
Cormac OBrien is a native of Cabinteely and is one of Dublin’s most prominent double bass players. He has performed and recorded with many of Ireland’s finest musicians, such as Louis Stewart, Tommy Halferty, Michael Buckley, Hugh Buckley, The Kai Big Band, The Zoid Ensemble, Lunfardia, Yurodny, Jack L and Mary Coughlan. He has also played with a range of international artists such as Bobby Watson, Pete Churchill, Marshall Gilkes, Rick Margitza, Ryan Quigley, John Riley, Bruce Adams and many more.
He is currently involved with a number of acclaimed groups such as Origin Story, Carole Nelson Trio, The Workshop and Rhythm Method. Cormac is Assistant Professor and Program Chair at Dublin CIty University’s prestigious B.A. in Jazz Performance.
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